Crime Stoppers Billboards Urge Tips To Stop Dealers

Large Crime Stoppers billboards funded by unions are up and visible in various parts of Monroe County urging citizens to report heroin dealers.

The United Auto Workers and Michigan Regional Coun­cil of Carpenters, Laborers’ Local 499, joined the fight against prescription drug abuse and the heroin epidemic by providing dollars to have the billboards erected.

One is on southbound I-75 north of Newport Rd.; a second is on N. Telegraph Rd. north of W. Lorain St., and a third is on N. Dixie Hwy. north of E. Noble Ave.

Dundee police Sgt. Brett Ansel, who works closely with Crime Stoppers, said he believes the billboards can be effective. Although there is no way to determine how many tips are directly related to the large signs, he said the num­bers are higher after they were erected.

“I can say the tips are up,” Sgt. Ansel said. “The volume is higher.”

The billboards are expected to remain up throughout the year and their locations could vary. The unions donated $10,000 to assist Crime Stop­pers and local law enforce­ment to help attack the heroin problem.

“For over 20 years now we have worked vigorously to make a difference in all seven counties that we serve,” said John Broad, president of Crime Stoppers of Michigan. “I am excited that these unions have partnered with Crime Stoppers to assist in the prevention ef­fort and people in the commu­nity are starting to understand what we do and how we do it and are working together to build safer communities.”

Monroe County Prosecutor William Paul Nichols said that the use of billboards was one of many steps that arose from the first-ever prescription drug abuse and heroin summit held at the Monroe County Com­munity College in December.

Crime Stoppers of Michigan is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest regard­ing prescription drug abuse or heroin.

Anyone who has information regarding the crime should call (800) SPEAK-UP or (800) 773-2587. All calls and cash rewards are anonymous.